Lemon Balm Tea Recipe

You know those days when your brain just won’t shut up? Enter: lemon balm tea. This gentle, citrusy herbal brew has been used for centuries to relax the nerves, ease digestion, and lull people into deep, peaceful sleep. And bonus—it smells like sunshine.

Lemon balm (aka Melissa officinalis) is part of the mint family, but don’t expect a sharp menthol hit. Instead, it offers soft lemony notes with just a hint of herbaceous green—like a walk through a garden after the rain. It’s not flashy. It’s not bitter. It’s just the perfect cup of calm.

Whether you’re making it with fresh leaves from your windowsill or using dried lemon balm from a wellness shop, this tea is easy to make and lovely to sip—day or night.

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Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea:

• Calming & soothing for anxiety and stress

• May promote better sleep and digestion

• Caffeine-free, so it won’t keep you up

• Supports focus and mental clarity (yes, paradoxically calming and brain-brightening)

• Tastes refreshing and delicate on its own or with honey and lemon

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Ingredients (makes 1 cup):

With fresh lemon balm:

• Lemon balm leaves – 1 small handful (about 5–7 leaves)

• Hot water – 250ml (just under boiling)

With dried lemon balm:

• Dried lemon balm – 1 tbsp

• Hot water – 250ml

Optional additions:

• Lemon slice

• Honey – 1 tsp

• Fresh mint leaves

• Chamomile or lavender (for added sleep support)

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the herbs (1 minute):
If using fresh lemon balm, rinse the leaves gently and pat them dry. Lightly crush the leaves in your hands to release the oils.

2. Steep (5–10 minutes):
Place lemon balm (fresh or dried) into a tea infuser, teapot, or directly into your mug. Pour over hot water. Cover your cup with a small plate or lid to trap the aromatic oils while steeping.

• For fresh leaves: Steep 7–10 minutes

• For dried leaves: Steep 5–7 minutes

3. Strain & sip (immediately):
If you steeped directly in the cup, strain out the leaves. Add honey, lemon, or mint if desired. Sip slowly and enjoy the calm.

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Pro Tip:

Covering your tea while it steeps is crucial for herbal infusions—it helps retain the essential oils (aka the good stuff). Also, avoid boiling water—just-under-boiling is perfect for delicate herbs like lemon balm.

Feeling fancy? Mix lemon balm with equal parts chamomile and lavender for a dreamy bedtime trio.